Center, library offer adult ESL classes

Parents in families whose first language isn’t English often must rely on their children to be their translators in the community.

A free class for adults who want to learn to speak, read and write in English is scheduled to start in January.

The South Everett Neighborhood Center and the Everett Public Library are offering the class from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays from Jan. 6 to June 14 at the Everett Library’s Evergreen, 9512 Evergreen Way.

The class takes an approach of language use. Participants will learn the essentials, giving them the ability to speak in everyday public situations, read what they need to and feel confident in their workplaces.

Classroom work includes rote pronunciation techniques, quizzes, textbooks, videos and games. The class also incorporates real-life interactions involving language use in different situations such as shopping or job hunting.

The free class complements the library’s Talk Time (7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays), during which people of all languages and backgrounds gather to speak and learn English with a trained volunteer.

To register call Juanita Clifford at the South Everett Neighborhood Center, at 425-355-6005. For more information, call 425-257-8250.